The Long Stage – 84km – is done and dusted. This was probably the toughest long stage that I’ve done in my 8 desert races. More than 1500m elevation gain, with more than 75% of the course over soft sand, including 5km of sand dune climbing and scrambling in the middle of the night.

I finished the stage is just over 16 hours and in 20th position. Really pleased with the result, but had to dig deep to get through the final 20km. The top 26 runners started two hours later than the rest, and as result, we had to deal with the worst heat of the day, and had to run a big part of the course at night.

The sand dunes were really challenging, especially at night, but I’m disappointed that we couldn’t see them in daylight.

The camp site looks like a war zone today. While some people are still completing the long stage, others are dealing with blisters, aches and pains. My feet are still ok, no blisters, but my two big toes have taken a pounding over the first three stages.

Tomorrow we take on stage 4 – 41km – and more sandy roads and trails.

Thank you for the messages of support – please keep them coming. Just send to competitors@g2gultra.com – with David Barnard #500 in the subject line.

Please remember to support my fundraising campaign in support of the END Fund and the fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Africa. Refer to goo.gl/FopK9u to learn more and make a donation.

Together, we can END NTDs in Africa!

Until tomorrow.

Best wishes

David

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Published by David Barnard

This blog site covers my runs through the deserts of the world in support of organisations, social causes and campaigns addressing critical development issues in Africa.
View all posts by David Barnard